Orthodox Christians mark Candlemas
On 15 February Orthodox Christians celebrate Candlemas Day, one of the great feasts of the Orthodox calendar, alongside with Christmas and Epiphany. On the day of the feast, all churches hold celebratory services and consecrate candles.
In the Slavonic tradition, the feast is considered a day when winter meets spring: “Whatever the weather on the Candlemas, such will be spring. According to beliefs, if 15 February 15 is warm, the spring will be early and warm, and if it is a cold day, the spring will be cold.
Photos by Leonid Shcheglov
Orthodox Christians celebrate Candlemas in the Grodno Orthodox Convent of St. Mary Nativity